Aaron-Wooi Yik storm into Thai Open final
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have now defeated Thailand's Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh in all three of their meetings. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : National men's doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik stayed on course for a second consecutive title by advancing to the Thailand Open final today.
The world No 5 duo defeated Thailand's Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh 21-17, 21-13 in just 37 minutes, overcoming a vocal home crowd with a confident performance.
This is their third win over the world No 16 Thai pair in as many BWF meetings.
Aaron and Wooi Yik will face the winners of the semifinal clash between Indonesia's top pair, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto, and Denmark's William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer in tomorrow's final.
The champions will receive US$37,525 (RM161,130), while the runners-up will earn US$18,050 (RM77,500).
Aaron and Wooi Yik, who were recently named Malaysia's 'Sportsmen of the Year', are aiming to end a 16-year title drought for Malaysia in the men's doubles at the Thailand Open.
The last Malaysian winners were Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah in 2009. They are the only Malaysian pair to claim the title since the tournament began in 1984.
A win tomorrow would also mark Aaron-Wooi Yik's second title of the season, following their victory at the Badminton Asia Championships in Zhejiang, China, last month.
It would also be a memorable personal milestone as they have never won more than one title in a single year before.
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